Herefordshire and Worcestershire launch new orange button community scheme to support people with suicidal thoughts

People in Herefordshire and Worcestershire who have suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or family member, will soon be able to get support when they see someone wearing a distinctive orange badge. 

The Orange Button is worn by people who have relevant training in mental health and suicide prevention.  Now trained individuals will be able to make their skills available to help those in need.

The aim of the scheme is to create a community of Orange Button wearers who people can turn to. Orange Button wearers are there to listen, signpost to local support and help reduce stigma by talking openly about suicide.

Anyone across Herefordshire and Worcestershire who has had at least 3 hours of suicide prevention training (or mental health training with suicide prevention content) over the past two years is being asked to consider becoming an Orange Button wearer. 

This includes people who have Mental Health First Aid training. Groups likely to have had training include voluntary and community organisations providing public services, workplaces as well as health and care workers, including non-NHS workers.

Anyone struggling to cope with mental health issues and needing urgent help can call Herefordshire & Worcestershire’s Mental Health Helpline on 0808 196 9127.  

If you have had mental health training which includes suicide prevention and want to get involved you can apply for your Orange Button via the Talk Community Directory or the Now We're Talking website.